Panthers Secure Key Free Agent Defensive Lineman with $30M Deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have signed free agent defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton to a three-year contract worth $30 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN on Monday. The deal has the potential to exceed $54 million based on performance incentives.

In addition, the Panthers have successfully retained cornerback Donte Jackson with a two-year, $14.5 million agreement. Jackson, who led the team with 17 pass deflections last season, will provide veteran leadership in the secondary.

Wharton, 26, has recently completed the best season of his five-year NFL career, finishing the 2024 season with a career-high total of 6.5 sacks across 17 games, 10 of which he started. His performance was pivotal during the postseason, where he registered two sacks in three games.

His standout moment occurred during Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he logged two sacks, including a crucial takedown of quarterback Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter, effectively stalling a Chargers drive and limiting them to a field goal. The Chiefs salvaged the game with a late field goal of their own, winning 19-17.

Wharton’s journey to the NFL began as an undrafted rookie from Missouri S&T, a Division II program. He quickly made a name for himself, securing a spot in the roster while playing all 16 games during his rookie season in 2020 and recording two sacks.

In 2021, he continued to perform well, adding another two sacks. However, his 2022 season was hindered after suffering an ACL tear, limiting him to just five games. Wharton rebounded in 2023, appearing in 17 games and contributing two more sacks to his total.

In total, Wharton has amassed 13.5 sacks during his tenure in the NFL, showcasing a consistently upward trajectory in his performance.

This report also includes contributions from ESPN’s Adam Teicher.